System and device for storing objects

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a storage system and identification device for storing objects associated with the devices in stations. Each identification devices includes an electronic memory device with a unique code. The storage system receives information relating each identification device with both its code and its associated object. A user can enter information as to a particular object and the system identifies the location of the station holding the identification device. Thus, identification devices can be returned randomly. This can be used for many objects as small as keys and very large objects connected to the identification devices.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/407,275, filed Apr.20, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,808, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/099,837, filed Jul. 29, 1993, now abandoned.

The disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/407,275 isincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

The present invention relates to a system and device for storingobjects, and more particularly to a system and device for storingobjects at random positions, identifying the position of a desiredobject, and removing the object.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The storing of objects such as keys is a common problem for automobiledealers, hotels, hospitals and numerous other companies andinstitutions. For many cases, it is desirable to have a record of theuser of a key in the event that the key is needed by another person. Theare many situations in which the keys must be secured so that there isno unauthorized use of the keys in general and the person taking a keyshould be identified and authorized for the use of the key. Sign outsheets are sometimes used but often the person taking a key is negligentin keeping records, or possibly forgetful, or is convinced that theshort use of the key does not require the awkward procedures of“signing-out” and “signing-in” for the key. Such a system has manyobvious problems, not to mention the severe problem of personnelturn-over and the possibility that an important key may be kept by afired or disgruntled ex-employee.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,915 to Cobb describes a key storage and monitoringsystem in which keys are stored on specific associated pegs. Each peghas a dial which must be turned to release a key and the person removingthe key can turn the dial to show a code so a subsequent person canidentify who has a missing key. The Cobb system, however, requires thecooperation of the users because the patent indicates that rotation ofthe dial releases a key, not entry of a code. The system has many otherweaknesses including the severe requirement that the keys be returned topredetermined locations. The system has highly limited security becauseit allows users to obtain keys even if the users fail to enter thecorrect information.

Although the secure storage and access for keys is important, there aremany other objects, often much larger, which also require securestorage. It is preferable that a secure storage system have differentlevels of security so that some employees may be assigned access tospecified groups of objects while a manager may have access to allobjects. It is also preferable that a secure storage system requireusers to enter information as a prerequisite to the removal of an objectand that at any time information as to the removal and return of objectsbe readily available.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the secure storage system allow therandom positioning of returned objects while providing all theinformation about the past and current disposition of the objects.

The present invention overcomes the weaknesses and drawbacks of theprior art and provides a storage system and device for the securestorage of objects which requires user information before an object canbe removed and allows the return of the object at a random position inthe storage system. In addition, the invention allows the generation ofreports relating to the activity of the users of the objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a storage system and device for thestorage of randomly positioned objects such as keys and theidentification of the position of a desired key by enteringpredetermined information into the system. The invention can alsoprovide for the controlled access to the objects while maintainingrecords of activities.

One embodiment of the invention is a storage system including a housing;a plurality of station means in the housing and a plurality of holdingmeans each being operable for being connected to an associated object.Each of the station means and each of the holding means are operable tobe engaged and disengaged to each other; each of the holding meansincludes an associated identification means operable to include anelectronic memory with a code and to be read electronically to enable anidentification of its associated holding means; reading means in thehousing operable for reading each of the identification means wheneverone of the holding means is engaged in a station means; control means inthe housing operable for controlling the reading means to read theidentification means; input means coupled to the reading means forobtaining information relating to the holding means; and display meansoperable for displaying information entered in the input means andinformation from the reading means.

In another embodiment, the invention also includes a memory meanscoupled to the reading means and operable for retaining informationrelating to the positions of the holding means engaged in the stationmeans and information relating to the disengagement and engagement ofthe holding means relative each station means.

Yet in another embodiment, the invention also relates to the controlmeans being programmable to designate code requirements prior to thedisengagement of one of the holding means.

Still another embodiment features locking means operable to retain eachholding means engaged in its station means unless a predetermined codeis entered.

In a different embodiment, the invention relates to a device suitablefor being engaged and disengaged by a system including a microprocessorsystem operable for reading electronic memory devices, inputting meansoperable for inputting information, and display means operable fordisplaying information. The device includes a body; and an electronicmemory means in the body operable for storing a unique code and forbeing read electronically when the body is engaged by the system. Thebody is adapted to allow the electronic memory means to be read when thebody is engaged into the system and display the location of body in thesystem upon the entry of suitable information using the input means.

Another embodiment of the device includes the device having a mechanicalshape suitable for being interlocked into the system when the device isengaged in a system having a locking means operable to engage themechanical shape and to be disengaged upon entry of suitable informationin the input means.

Other embodiments, features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent upon reading the specification and claims.

IN THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a system and a device according tothe invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial front elevational view of a portion of the systemshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the portion of the system shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial rear elevational view of another portion of thesystem shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a portion of a station in thesystem shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of an outer shell of the stationshown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the outer shell shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom elevational view of the outer shell shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a identificationdevice according to the invention.

FIG. 10 is a top elevational view of the identification device shown inFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is one end elevational view of the identification device shownin FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is another end elevational view of the identification deviceshown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a bottom elevational view of the identification device shownin FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of aidentification device according to the invention.

FIG. 15 is a top elevational view of the identification device shown inFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is one end elevational view of the identification device shownin FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is another end elevational view of the identification deviceshown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of FIG. 17 along line 18—18.

FIG. 19 shows a detail in the arrangement of components in a stationrelative an identification device engaged therein;

FIG. 20-35 show the electrical circuits for the storage system shown inFIG. 1; and

FIGS. 36-48 show flow diagrams for operating the storage system shown inFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows storage system 1 and identification device 2 according tothe invention. For the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the device2 is connected by wire 3 to a key 4. The identification device 2 isengaged into a station 6 in the form of a receptacle 7. Door 8 can beclosed to prevent access to keys being stored therein by lock 9 whichcan be operated by a key (not shown) to have the lock 9 engage opening11. The door 8 can also be locked using a station 6 and a projectingshape similar to a portion of the identification device 2 as will bedescribed herein.

FIGS. 2-4 show other views of portions of the storage system 1. Akeyboard 12 is used for entering information by a user. The keyboard 12is preferably a membrane type keyboard with normally opened contacts. Asshown in FIG. 2, the numerals on the keyboard 12 in the top row are “1”to “3” with the numeral “2” also serving as the “up arrow” for thecursor which appears on display 13. The second row, has the numerals “4”to “6” and numerals “4” and “6” are the “left arrow” and right arrow”,respectively, for the cursor. The next row has the numerals “7” to “9”and the “8” is also the “down arrow” for the cursor. The last row hasthe designations, “CLR” for clearing characters from the display 13; a“0” as the last digit after “9”; and “ENT” for entering data. Thedisplay 13 is a LCD with two character lines, each having sixteencharacters. A cursor is indicated in the display 13 to show where datawill appear or where data will be cleared.

Mounting bolts 14 can be commercially available security type to limitpossible access or tampering within the storage system 1. The bolts 14retain frame 16 attached to housing 17.

Each of the stations 6 has an associated light source such as LED 18.The LED 18 is used to assist a user in identifying the location of astation and it will be described in detail herein.

The following is a general description of the use of the storage system1 and the identification device 2. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,the storage system 1 has forty stations 6 arranged in an array of fiverows and eight columns. Thus, there can be up to forty identificationdevices 2 stored in the storage system 1.

The storage system 1 has a microprocessor which is programmed to relateeach identification device 2 with an associated key 4. If a user entersthe identity of a key 4 in keyboard 12, the location of the associateddevice 2 is indicated. One simple and convenient way for indicating thelocation is for the LED 18 at the station 6 holding the selectedidentification device 2 to light. Another more economical way forindicating the location of the desired identification device 2 is forthe display 13 to indicate the coordinates by row and column. If theidentification devices 2 are ordinarily locked into the respectivestations 6, then the selected device 2 is released for a predeterminedperiod of time, say twenty seconds so that the user has an opportunityto disengage or remove the selected identification device 2. Failure toremove the identification device 2 within the predetermined time,results in the selected identification device 2 being locked into placeuntil the proper code has been entered into the keyboard 12 again.

FIG. 3 shows a partial side elevational view of the frame 16 with someof the components of the interior of the storage system 1 shown. The LED18 is shown with its two wire leads 19 in FIGS. 3-5. The LED 18 ismounted in opening 21 defined in receptacle 7 and the receptacle 7 isshown in detail in FIGS. 6-8. In FIG. 6, mounting holes 21 are used formounting the receptacle 7 on the frame 16. Holes 22 are used formounting a solenoid 23 into the receptacle 7 as shown in FIG. 5.

The solenoid 23 includes a metal bracket 24, a wire coil 26 havingelectrical leads 27, a spring 28, and a plunger 29 responsive to thewire coil 26 so that the plunger 29 is moved down into the wire coil 26.The plunger 29 has a ring 30 as shown in FIG. 19 mounted in a channel(not shown) around the plunger 29 so that the spring 28 urges theplunger 29 upwards when it has been moved down by the wire coil 26. Theuse of the ring 30 on the plunger 29 is in accordance with the practicein the art.

The receptacle 7 has an opening 31 surrounded by a flange 32. Theopening 31 extends into the receptacle 7 to a portion 33 so that theidentification device 2 can be engaged into the receptacle 7 byinserting the identification device 2 into the opening 31 moving ituntil it abut back wall 34. Side walls 36 have rectangular openings 37and metal contact strips 38 are mounted on each side with screws 39 intoextension 41. The metal contact strips 38 penetrate into respectiveopenings 37 and, as will be described below, to make electrical contactthe identification device 2 engaged in the receptacle 7. Wires 41 carrythe electricity for the control of the solenoid 23.

The receptacle 7 has an opening 35 at the bottom to allow the plunger 29to reach into the receptacle 7 and lock the identification device 2engaged in the receptacle 7 as shown in FIG. 19.

The receptacle 7 is preferably made from a resin or plastic therebyproviding an insulated body at relatively low manufacturing cost.

FIGS. 3 and 4 provide partial views of components mounted on the frame16. FIGS. 3 and 4 have omitted details to show the overall relationshipbetween components. A circuit board 42 is mounted on standoffs 43 withbolts 44. The solenoids 23 are preferably controlled by relays 46, inaccordance with known practice. The relays 46 are mounted on circuitboards 47 each of which hold ten relays 46. For storage system 1, thereare four circuit boards 47. The circuit boards are mounted into theframe 16 with bolts 48.

FIGS. 9-13 show a simple key holder 49 embodiment of the identificationdevice 2. End 51 has an opening 52. A chain, wire or some other suitableform of connection can be made from the key holder 49 to an object suchas a key (not shown). It is not at all necessary that the object belimited to a key or even a relatively small object. In fact, the objectcould be a box, a lawnmower or even a boat. The connection between theobject and the key holder 49 enables the controlled use of the objectthrough the storage system 1.

The key holder 49 has a compartment defined in it which contains anelectronic memory device 53. Both sides of the key holder 49 are thesame and each has an opening 54. The strips 38 shown in FIG. 7electrically contact each side of the electronic memory device 53 sothat the electronic system forming part of the storage system 1 cancommunicate with the electronic memory device 53. This enables thestorage system 1 to learn the relationship between each identificationdevice 2 and its associated object, to determine the position of theidentification devices 2, and to maintain records on the removal andreturn of the devices 2.

The electronic memory device 53 can be a commercially available devicesuch as DS1990 sold by Dallas Semiconductor. The Dallas DS1990 has afactory lasered 64-bit ROM which includes a unique 48-bit serial code,an 8 bit CRC and an 8-bit Family Code (O1h). Data is transferredserially via a single wire protocol which requires a single data leadand a ground return. Hence, two wires and two contacts. The DallasDS1990 is similar in appearance to a button-type battery and has anouter diameter of about 16.3 mm, a width of about 3.6 mm and electricalcontact surfaces on opposite sides. The details of the operation of theDallas DS1990 are readily available publicly. It is of interest that thenominal operating voltage is about 5.0 volts. This particularcharacteristic is used to operate the Dallas DS1990 devices in an arrayaccording to the invention, as described elsewhere herein.

The electronic memory device 53 can be rotated within the compartment inthe key holder 49. The openings 54 are positioned to be off centerrelative the geometric center of the electronic memory device 53 so thatthe strips 38 can produce rotation of the electronic memory device 53when the key holder 49 is inserted into the station 6. Allowing rotationof the electronic memory device 53 while positioned within the keyholder 53 reduces wear on the electronic memory device 53 becausedifferent surfaces contact the strips 38 due to the rotation of theelectronic memory device 53.

In one preferred embodiment, it is desirable to inhibit the removal ordisengagement of the identification device 2 from a station 6 unless theintended user is authorized. For this purpose, the key holder 49 has anotched region 57 positioned and dimensioned to be engaged by theplunger 29 which is under the control of the solenoid 23.

The arrangement of the station 6 used to lock the identification device2 can also be used for locking door 8 by replacing lock 9 with a portionof the device 2 positioned to engage one of the stations 6. To open thedoor 8, the correct code would be entered into the keyboard 12. Therewould be 39 stations 6 still available for storing identificationdevices 2.

FIGS. 14-18 show another key holder 58 suitable for use as theidentification device 2. In this embodiment, a key 59 is connected tothe key holder 58 by a wire 61 which has commercially available securityconnectors. One end of the wire 61 has a ball 62 which is positioned incompartment 63 defined in the interior halves of the key holder 58, asshown in FIG. 18. The other end of the wire 61 has a cylindrical rod 64.A metal plate 66 is positioned within the key holder 58 and has a holeto receive the rod 64. This hole is cut in a well known design to allowthe opening to increase in size to receive the rod 64; however, removalof the rod 64 is severely inhibited.

The key holder 58 can be provided to a user so that the user can connecta selected key easily and the security connection will prevent anysurreptitious change or removal of the key.

The key holder 58 has a notched region 60 for engagement with theplunger 29 as shown in FIG. 19. The position of ring 30 on the plunger29 results in the plunger 29 being pushed up until the ring 30 pressesagainst the bottom of the receptacle 7 so that pressure is notestablished against the key holder 58. This arrangement avoidsunnecessary pressure and possible damage to the key holder 58.

FIG. 18 shows compartment 68 for the electronic memory device 53. Inaddition, opening 69 accommodates electrical contract strips 38.

Reference is now made to the electrical circuit shown in FIGS. 20-35.The microprocessors, chips, analogue components, digital components andthe like are commercially available and the component designations areshown under the various components in the drawings. Connection of linesfrom one figure to another can be followed because the lines arelabeled. As it will be pointed out, certain circuits are repeated and soonly one typical arrangement is shown. Standard terminology and wellknown techniques of abbreviations have been used to simplify the circuitdescription.

Generally, the stations 6 are arranged in a matrix array of verticalcolumns and horizontal rows as can be seen in FIG. 1. As indicatedabove, the electronic memory device 53 has the general shape of a buttonso the abbreviation “BUT” in the FIGS. 20-35 is for the term “button”which refers to the electronic memory devices 53. Further elaboration onthis simplified form of designation will be provided during a detaileddescription of the figures.

In the FIGS. 20-35, the various components have been shown using drawingshapes and designations in accordance with the practice in the art. Thenumerals within a block such as block U1 in FIG. 20 correspond to thedesignations of the commercially available component. The externalnumerals are for conveniently tracing lines. For convenience, the actualarrangement of the terminals have been arranged to group similarfunctioning terminals together rather than show the actual physicalpositions for the components.

Referring now to FIG. 20, block U1 is a microprocessor available fromIntel as component number 80C31BH. As noted the designations within theblock U1 correspond to the designations used by Intel in its technicalspecifications while the designations of the lines from the block U1 arefor distinguishing the lines and to suggest the relationship a line hasin the operation. For example, the line designated “RESET” relates tothe reset function.

Some of the other lines from block U1 will also be described, however,detailed information on the lines for block U1 as well as all of theother components can be obtained from commercially available literature.The line “DGND” is a digital ground. The lines“ADO” to “ADT” aremultiplexed address data lines. The line “RELDON” is for the relay “D”being “on”. The line “RELCLR” (shown with a bar over the designation) isa single bit line for turning off relays 46 after powering up forinitialization. The line “KBDRET” is a return line from the keyboard 12.The line “DATABIT” goes to the electronic memory devices 53 connectedinto the storage system 1 when the identification devices 2 are engagedwith the stations 6. Some lines are unused such as lines “TO” and “TI”which are grounded. Lines “A8” to “A15” are single address lines. Line“RXD” is a receive line while line “TXD” is a transmit line. Line “WR”(shown with a bar over the description) is a “write pulse” line whileline “RD” (shown with a bar over the designation) is a “read Pulse”line.

Terminals “18” and “19” of block U1 are connected to a well knowncrystal circuit for producing a timing signal. The “RESET” line of blockU1 is connected to block U8 which is a commercially available powerreset circuit designated as component “DS1232”. Block U8 is connected toa standard jumper J7 which can be used to manually reset themicroprocessor, block U1.

The sub-circuit with Zener diodes CR1-CR4 serves as a noise suppressor.The block U12 is a line driver and receiver and is component MAX233available from Maxim Corporation. Block U7 is a real time clockavailable from National Semiconductor as component MM58274. Block U7 hasa crystal circuit coupled to line 14 and 15 and including crystal Y2.One side each of capacitors C4 and C5 has an applied voltage of +5volts, as indicated. The lines TX232 and RX232 can be used for a printeror computer.

FIG. 21 shows block U2 which is a programmable read only memory (PROM)available from Intel as component 27C256. For this circuit, block U2 hasa memory of 32 k.

FIG. 22 shows block U5 which is an address latch commercially availableas component 74HC573. FIG. 23 shows block U3 which is a random accessmemory (RAM) available from Toshiba as component 62256. The linesADO-AD7 are read/write lines. Block US has a memory of 32 k. FIG. 24shows block U4 which is a static random access memory (SRAM)commercially available as component 62256. Here again, lines ADO-AD7 areshown and are read/write lines. Block U4 has a memory of 32 k.

FIG. 25 shows a portion of the electrical circuit which does addressdecoding. Blocks U15 and U6 are NAND gates and block U14 is an invertoravailable commercially as component CD4069UB. Block U9 is a 3-to-8decoder sometimes referred to in the art as a “3 line to 8 linedecoder”. The lines out of block U9 provide a memory map of theinput-output (I/O). Block U9 is commercially available as component74HC138. FIG. 26 shows decoupling capacitors C5, C6 and C7 which arephysically positioned near blocks U1, U7, and U2, respectively inaccordance with well known practices.

FIG. 27 shows block U16 which is a 3 to 8 decoder and it is notlatchable. Block U16 is commercially available as 74HC137. Block U16shows the use of nomenclature to suggest the role of lines in theelectrical operations. The line “BUTROWSEL” (shown with a bar over thedescription) suggests that it is for selecting a button (electronicmemory device 53). The output lines BUTROW0 to BUTROW4 provide groundinglines to each of the five button rows. Each of these lines include adiode D4-D8, respectively, to provide a relatively high reverse bias sothat there is no grounding unless grounding is commanded.

FIG. 28 shows block U17 which is an analogue switch available fromPhilips Semiconductor as component HC4351. Block U14 is an invertorcommercially available as component CD4069UB and it has an input dataline for selecting a button column. Basically, the DATABIT line isselectively connected to a column of the electronic memory devices 53 byblock U17. The resistors having values of 3.3 kilo ohm between the linesBUTCOL0 to BUTCOL7 represent a unique solution to a serious probleminhibiting the use of electronic memory devices in an array such asdisclosed herein. The problem will be discussed so the remarkablesolution can be appreciated.

The convenience of the electronic memory device 53 is that it isrelatively, small and economical, and has the advantage of allowing theuse of only two lines. Such a device is designed to operate at apredetermined voltage such as 5 volts. When an array of the electronicmemory devices 53 is formed, it results in the inadvertent connection toelectronic memory devices 53 which are not intended to be read.Typically, the electronic memory device 53 presents a resistance ofabout 500 Kohms so that the voltage across an electronic memory device53 which as not been selected, but is in a close electrical path to theselected device 53, can be about 2 volts. This can be appreciated if theelectrical circuit in FIG. 28 is considered with the 3.3 Kohm resistorsreplaced by direct connections, that is, shorted out of the operation.Even though the electronic memory devices were designed for operation at5 volts, the low voltage can result in spurious readings and operationsof the array. Surprisingly, the introduction of the 3.3 Kohm resistorssurprisingly enables highly reliable operation of the array. A simpleelectrical analysis shows that the voltage across an electronic memorydevice 53 not be read is reduced about two orders of magnitude, for theworst case.

Basically, it has been found that in an array of electronic memorydevice 53 operable for being read by a two wire connection at apredetermined voltage level, the reliability and performance of thearray is substantially improved by introducing resistance paths betweenany two lines connecting one side of each electronic memory device 53.Preferably, the resistance path is about two orders of magnitude lessthan the resistance of each of the electronic memory devices 53. Thatis, about one hundredth of the resistance of the electronic memorydevice 53.

FIG. 29 shows a portion of the electrical circuit sewing as an interfaceto the liquid crystal display (LCD). Block U10 is a bidirectional buffercommercially available as component 74HC245. The block 14 is aninvertor, block U15 is a NAND gate, block U13 is an AND gate and blockU11 is a buffer.

FIG. 30 shows block U19 which is latchable 3 to 8 decoder commerciallyavailable as component 74HC237. Block U20 is commercially available fromSpraque and is used to control the relays 46 by selectively applying the12 volt source.

FIG. 31 shows block U18 which is a noise suppressor commerciallyavailable from Harris Semiconductor as component SP720.

FIG. 32 shows block U22 which is an addressable relay driver availablefrom Philips Semiconductor as component SA5099A. This company also usesthe letters “NE” at the start of its component designation. The beepershown as LS1 is for an audio output to provide feedback as to theoperations or indicate problems. Resistor R8 serves as a limitingresister for the current being supplied to the LCD backlight.

FIG. 33 shows a portion of the electrical circuit functioning as akeyboard interface. Block U21 is a 4 line to 16 line decodercommercially available as component HC4514.

FIG. 34 show the power supply in accordance with well known designtechniques. Block VR2 is an adjustable voltage regulator available fromMotorola as component LM31TT. Block VR1 is a switching regulatoravailable from Motorola as component 7805CTH. A Battery backup ispreferably used and would operate through diode D1. A battery backup ismaintained charged through line BATPOS.

FIG. 35 shows the subcircuits mounted on the relay boards forcontrolling the relays 46. Each station 6 includes a solenoid 23 whichis responsive to a relay 46. Each station 6 includes a solenoid 23 whichis responsive to a relay 46. The position of a solenoid is defined byits coordinates and the circuit shown in FIG. 35 is for the solenoid 23positioned at column 1, row 1. The relay RLY6 controls that solenoid.There is a similar subcircuit also provides the control for thecorresponding LED 18 at the station 6.

Turning now to the flow diagrams, FIGS. 36-48 show the generaloperational steps for the storage system 1. Basically, the memory andcomputing operations of the storage system 1 become defined through theflow diagrams.

In general, the storage system 1 has certain information entered toestablish a database for its operations. Typically, the informationdesirable for the database includes, a brief description of the key andthe door identification or number as to the potential users, it isdesirable to identify to first and last name of the user, the user'sidentification number, any password assigned to the user, the keys whichwill be accessible to the user, the time when the user must return thekeys, and which keys the user has taken. Such information allows thepreparation of reports with different contents directed at differentrequirements.

FIG. 36 shows the top level functionality. When there is power on orpower reset, the memory is tested to verify the system is operational.An error is indicated on the display. Otherwise, the display has adefault legend. The initialization also checks for returned keys. Theuser then can use the keypad to enter a password which will, ifaccepted, provide a menu for further use as shown in FIG. 36A. Some ofthese menu items may be reserved for a supervisor so these items willnot be displayed to users with limited access.

FIG. 37 shows the steps for “teaching” storage system 1 information asto key number, key description and door number. FIGS. 38 and 40 showmore details for this operation. To enter information, such as a name, aletter is selected from the lower line of the display using the “arrow”keys to move the cursor. Pressing “enter” adds the selected character tothe first line. The“up” arrow allows the cursor to be moved to the firstline so that the side arrows can be used to move the cursor right orleft. A character can be erased using the “C” key. Pressing the “ENT”while the cursor is in the first line of the display will result in theinformation in the first line to be entered into the storage system 1.FIG. 39 shows the steps for entering a door number.

FIG. 40 shows the overall steps for entering information relating to anemployee. FIGS. 41-46 show detailed steps.

FIG. 47 shows the steps for removing a key and FIG. 48 shows theoperations for print reports.

There has been described a novel accessory. It is evident that thoseskilled in the art may now make numerous uses and modifications of anddepartures from the specific embodiments described herein withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts. Consequently, the invention is tobe construed as embracing each and every feature and novel combinationof features present or possessed by the accessory herein disclosed andlimited solely by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage system suitable for storing a plurality of objects each associated with an identification device, said system comprising: a housing; a plurality of station assemblies, each of which are coupled to the housing and operable to receive an identification device; an electronic row column matrix having a plurality of row circuits and column circuits; a two terminal electronic memory device associated with each identification device, wherein each electronic memory device comprises an individualized code; a plurality of signal paths, each signal path being through a row circuit, an electronic memory device and a column circuit, for addressing an identification device at an operable station assembly and for communicating electrically coupled serial transmission signals of the individualized code from the electronic memory device; and a reader, coupled to the signal paths, for receiving the serial transmission from an identification device.
 2. The storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reader receives the serial transmission from the identification devices while the identification devices are in a fixed relationship relative to the housing.
 3. The storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: each station assembly includes a first connection and a second connection; and the reader provides a selection signal at one of the two terminals of the electronic memory device and receives serial transmissions from the other of the two terminals of the electronic memory device.
 4. A storage system suitable for storing a plurality of objects each associated with an identification device, said system comprising: a housing; a plurality of station assemblies, each of which are coupled to the housing and operable to receive an identification device; an electronic row column matrix having a plurality of row circuits and column circuits; an electronic memory device associated with each identification device, wherein each electronic memory device comprises an individualized code; a plurality of signal paths, each signal path comprising a unique row circuit and column circuit, for addressing an identification device at an operable station assembly and for communicating electrically coupled serial transmission signals of the individualized code from the electronic memory device; and a reader, coupled to the signal paths, for receiving the serial transmission from an identification device; wherein at least one station assembly includes a coupling arrangement for receiving the serial information from the electronic memory device; and wherein the electronic memory device is rotatably housed within the identification device for at least in part reducing wear on the electronic memory device due to coupling with the coupling arrangement.
 5. A storage system suitable for storing a plurality of objects each associated with an identification device, said system comprising: a housing; a plurality of station assemblies coupled to the housing and operable to receive the identification device; a two terminal electronic memory device associated with each identification device, each electronic memory device including an individualized code serial transmittable from the electronic memory device; a plurality of signal circuits, each signal circuit comprising a unique row and column circuit for addressing an identification device at an operable station assembly and for communicating electrically coupled serial transmission signals; and a reader, coupled to the signal circuits, for selectively receiving the serial transmissions from respective identification devices; wherein the individualized code is received via the second terminal of the electronic memory device while the first terminal of the electronic memory device is maintained at a reduced voltage level.
 6. The storage system as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one station assembly includes a coupling arrangement for receiving the serial information from the electronic memory device; and wherein the electronic memory device is rotatably housed within the identification device for at least in part reducing wear on the electronic memory device due to coupling with the coupling arrangement.
 7. A storage system suitable for storing a plurality of objects each associated with an identification device, said system comprising: a housing; a plurality of station assemblies coupled to the housing, each station assembly including an electrical coupling and operable to receive a plurality of identification devices; an electronic memory device associated with an identification device, each electronic memory device including an individualized serial transmittable code transferable via the electrical coupling in a station assembly; and a reader for reading serial transmissions of the codes from each operable identification device positioned within a station assembly; wherein the electronic memory device is rotatably housed within the identification device for at least in part reducing wear on the electronic memory device due to coupling with the electrical coupling.
 8. A station assembly for releasably securing an identification device, the station assembly being coupled to a frame of a storage system, wherein the storage system comprises a plurality of station assemblies and a plurality of identification devices each of which comprise an engageable region releasably securable within a station assembly, wherein each station assembly comprises: an opening through which the engageable portion is insertable; a solenoid including a plunger that is moveable into a coil and directly engageable with the identification device when the engageable portion is inserted into the opening, such that when the plunger engages the identification device the identification device is secured within the station assembly; and an electrical coupling arrangement for receiving serial information from the identification device with the identification device inserted in the opening.
 9. The station assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electrical coupling arrangement includes contacts electrically coupleable to an electronic memory device in the identification device.
 10. A storage system for storing a plurality of objects, the storage system comprising: a plurality of station assemblies; a plurality of identification devices, each identification device securable to an object and releasably lockable within a respective station assembly, wherein each of the identification devices comprises a housing, an electronic memory device coupled to the housing and having an individualized readable code, and wherein each of the station assemblies comprises an opening through which the identification device is at least partially insertable; individual solenoids each corresponding to a respective station assembly, each solenoid including a plunger that is moveable in a coil and directly engageable with an identification device when the identification device is inserted into the opening, such that when the plunger engages the identification device, the identification device is secured within the station assembly; a frame for supporting the plurality of station assemblies; and a electrical coupling arrangement located in each station assembly for receiving serial information from the electronic memory device when at least a portion of the identification device inserted in the opening.
 11. The storage system as claimed in claim 10, wherein each respective solenoid is mechanically coupled to each respective station assembly.
 12. The storage system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the object is a key.
 13. The storage system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the housing of the identification device includes a notch therein, and wherein the notch is aligned with the plunger such that when the plunger engages the notch, the identification device is secured in fixed relation to the station assembly.
 14. A storage system suitable for storing a plurality of objects each associated with an identification device, said system comprising: a housing; a plurality of station assemblies, each of which are coupled to the housing and operable to receive an identification device; an electronic memory device associated with each identification device comprises a data connection and a ground return connection and an individualized code; a plurality of signal circuits, each signal circuit comprising a unique row circuit and column circuit for communication with an identification device at an operable station assembly; and a reader, coupled to the signal circuits, for receiving the serial transmission from an identification device; and wherein communication with the electronic memory device is accomplished by switching its ground return connection to a near ground voltage and receiving an identification code from the data connection.
 15. A storage system suitable for storing a plurality of objects, said system comprising: a housing; an identification device associated with at least one object; a plurality of station assemblies coupled to the housing and operable to receive an identification device and communicate therewith, each station assembly comprising a first connection and a second connection; an electronic memory device associated with each operable identification device, wherein each electronic memory device comprises a serially transmittable individualized code; and a plurality of unique paths each path including a row circuit, a first station assembly connection, a second station assembly connection and a column circuit; a reader, coupled to the row and column circuits, for reading a serially transmittable individualized code from an identification device received in a selected station assembly; and wherein all communication with an identification device received in a station assembly is via the first and second connections of the station assembly.
 16. The storage system of claim 15, wherein the electronic memory device is a two terminal memory device.
 17. The storage system of claim 15, wherein a station assembly's first connection is lowered to a near ground potential and thereafter a serially transmitted individualized code is received via the station assembly's second connection. 